Positive judgement for Union School of Theology after QAA review
| Date: | August 10 - 2022 |
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A review of the Union School of Theology by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the UK’s independent quality body for higher education, has expressed confidence that 'academic standards are reliable, meet UK requirements, and are reasonably comparable' - the highest judgement available through the review process.
The Union School of Theology (UST) offers higher education qualifications for 'anyone who wants to grow both academically and spiritually - in their understanding of Christian Scripture, in their ministry skills and in personal formation'. UST has a residential campus in South Wales and Learning Communities around the world and offers a Graduate Diploma in Theology, BA in Theology and an MTh in Scripture and Theology, all with the Open University. UTS also offers a PhD programme in partnership with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam).
The review was undertaken online by a team of three independent reviewers, appointed by QAA, and took place between 24 and 25 May 2022. The review also expressed 'confidence that the quality of the student academic experience meets relevant baseline regulatory requirements'.
The review provides the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) with an expert judgement about the readiness of the provider to enter, or continue to operate within, the higher education sector.
The review team identified two areas of development, advising Union School of Theology to:
- complete and implement the new alumni survey to better understand the academic and professional outcomes of students
- further strengthen induction and communication with student representatives to ensure they can fulfil the role effectively.
Dr Clive Bowsher, Provost of UST, said 'We are delighted with the confidence expressed by the recent QAA Gateway Quality review of Union School of Theology, both in connection with academic standards and the quality of theological training and education received by our students'.